Ohio Treasurer calls for spending transparency

PDT Sports Report

June 12, 2013

Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

In a day and age in which it appears government actions are given less transparency and accountability, Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel says he wants the state’s checkbook online for everyone to see and more importantly, understand. He says that is why he is partnering with State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) on House Bill 175.

“I’d like to take Ohio’s government expenditures and put them on the internet so citizens can actually see how their tax money is being spent,” Mandel said. “I believe government is most efficient when we shine sunlight on government spending. Transparency and accountability make public officials and bureaucrats think twice before wasting our tax money or defrauding our citizens.”

Sec. 113.51 of HB 175 reads, “Not later than six months after the effective date of this section, the treasurer of state shall establish and maintain the Ohio state government expenditure database. The database shall be available on the web site of the treasurer of state and shall include information about expenditures made in fiscal year 2014 and thereafter. The database shall be accessible by members of the public without charge. State entities shall assist the treasurer of state in the development, establishment, operation, storage, hosting, and support of the database at no cost to the treasurer of state.”

“In this spirit, I’ve partnered with State Rep. Mike Dovilla on House Bill 175, and I encourage you to call or e-mail your legislators to ask them to support this legislation,” Mandel said. “The sooner we can pass this bill, the sooner we can put the state’s checkbook on the web and make Ohio’s government more transparent.”

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Frank on Twitter @FrankLewisPDT.